On Thursday evening, storied singer, songwriter, and musician Graham Nash returned to the North-East for his first show in the region since 2018.

But the arrival of the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer was not the only newsworthy event at the venue this week. A mere 24 hours earlier, the prestigious concert hall on the banks of the River Tyne undertook a naming ceremony that would see what was the Sage Gateshead become the Glasshouse International Centre for Music from this point forth.

Graham Nash's concert on Thursday evening would become the first big-name artist to perform in the hallowed hall since its renaming. But monikers aside, the only name those in attendance were there to see in Hall One was Graham Nash himself. The star of the show brought his Sixty Years of Songs and Stories show to the newly renamed venue.

Graham Nash’s unparalleled career spans over 60 years. The artist is touring in support of his latest solo album, Now. A record that marks Nash's first album of new material in seven years.

The evening was a show of two halves, and with no support, Graham Nash took to the stage at approximately 7.30 pm and delivered a career-spanning setlist. Songs from Nash's latest album, such as A Better Life and Love of Mine, featured.

So, the story goes the roots of Crosby, Stills and Nash can be traced back to a harmonious evening in Joni Mitchell's Laurel Canyon living room. And the rest, as they say, is history. And what a history Graham Nash has had, from performing at Woodstock with his CSN&Y counterparts to releasing some of the most spellbinding folk-rock numbers of all time. Of course, many of those tracks featured in the show, including Marrakesh Express, Cathedral, 4 + 20 and the unmistakable Just a Song Before I Go, to name but a few.

Even in the twilight years of his career, Nash's voice is still as enchanting as it was back in 1969. Not bad for being 81 years old. And speaking of 1969, watching Graham Nash perform is like opening a time capsule to the Woodstock era. With few artists still touring or performing from that generation it was a rare opportunity to witness an artist who was there in the golden age of music. Many rock stars from that time now seem like mythical creatures condemned to the history books, LPs and posters on people’s walls, but not Graham Nash.

Opening the second set with an astounding rendition of A Case of You from Joni Mitchell’s 1971 album Blue was a rare treat. The track also highlighted the pair’s relationship. Some would say the song was inspired by Joni’s relationship with Nash. Graham even commented on Joni’s recent return to music.

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As a fellow Northerner growing up in Blackpool and Salford, Nash had a great rapport with the audience. His tales from throughout his career were as equally compelling as the songs performed.

Graham Nash's career can be traced back to the Hollies. But, a track by one of his biggest influences, Buddy Holly, ushered the show towards its conclusion via a cover of Everyday. With three voices congregated around a microphone, joyous harmonies radiated throughout the auditorium. A show-stopping rendition of the CSN&Y classic Teach Your Children brought the evening to a close.

On Thursday evening, with the audience and the headliner united in song, Our House was the Glasshouse. Graham Nash's Tyneside return was nothing short of first-class.